Abstract
Despite discouraging empirical evidence concerning a general expectancy of internal or external (I-E) locus of control, researchers appear reluctant to abandon Rotter's original hypothesis. A possible methodological flaw in most I-E research involves the failure to test the measured tendency against multiple act criteria. Data which address this concern may be found in factor analytic studies of I-E scales. This evidence is reviewed with respect to three predictions derived from a generalized expectancy hypothesis. First the expectancy should be measured by a single dimension. Second, this dimension should have breadth of application across situations. Third, the dimension should generalize to a variety of populations. Factor analytic data provide little support for these predictions. It is suggested that goal-specific multidimensional locus of control scales hold greater promise for predicting behaviour.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
